The political takeover of America’s public health
Sep 5, 2025 •
Insiders at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention say the agency is in chaos.
Last week, the White House fired CDC Director Susan Monarez after less than a month in the role.
Insiders say the agency is no longer able to provide reliable health guidance to Americans as it faces resignations, funding cuts, and a replacement of vaccine advisers with skeptics who have expressed anti-vaccine views.
Today, staff writer at The Atlantic on what Monarez’s firing signals about the Trump administration’s health agenda – and what it means for vaccine policy and trust in public health.
If you enjoy 7am, the best way you can support us is by making a contribution at 7ampodcast.com.au/support.
The political takeover of America’s public health
1657 • Sep 5, 2025
The political takeover of America’s public health
Insiders at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention say the agency is in chaos.
Last week, the White House fired CDC Director Susan Monarez after less than a month in the role.
Insiders say the agency is no longer able to provide reliable health guidance to Americans as it faces resignations, funding cuts, and a replacement of vaccine advisers with skeptics who have expressed anti-vaccine views.
Today, staff writer at The Atlantic on what Monarez’s firing signals about the Trump administration’s health agenda – and what it means for vaccine policy and trust in public health.
If you enjoy 7am, the best way you can support us is by making a contribution at 7ampodcast.com.au/support.
Guest: Staff writer at The Atlantic, Tom Bartlett.
Listen and subscribe in your favourite podcast app (it's free).
7am is a daily show from Solstice Media.
It’s made by Atticus Bastow, Chris Dengate, Daniel James, Ruby Jones, Sarah McVeigh, Travis Evans and Zoltan Fecso.
Our theme music is by Ned Beckley and Josh Hogan of Envelope Audio.